Hurt & Hope: Christchurch volunteer rescues homeless, suicidal man
Saturday, 30 September 2017
When Ruth Kenny met Greg Smith* a few months ago, he was living in a tent in the red zone and only had the clothes he was wearing.
Hope for the Homeless (HFTH) charity volunteers were worried he might take his own life after he had 'collapsed in tears in the middle of town because he could not see a way out', Kenny says.
He had called a suicide helpline that day and made it to a charity dinner, but volunteers were not sure how much longer he would last.
Smith's anxiety and depression flared up after the February 2011 earthquake. He moved away from Christchurch and was stable for a few years, but 'spiralled out of control' after his relationship fell apart at the end of last year. He left his IT job and returned to the city, hoping to find support with a friend.
But support never came. And with no income, no home, no friends or family around and his anxiety and depression worsening, he was 'barely surviving'.
By the time he became eligible for Work and Income support after the three-month stand-down period, he had hit rock bottom.
HFTH paid for him to stay at a backpackers for a couple of nights after his suicidal episode, but did not have the funds to go beyond that.
They asked Kenny to intervene.
In her three years volunteering for the charity, Kenny has seen many people struggling, but has always kept that separate to her job at Comcare, a Christchurch trust offering social support and mental health services.
But with Smith, she had to do something.
Through Comcare and other organisations, Kenny organised GP visits so Smith could get antidepressants, a certificate for Work and Income, a couple more nights at the backpackers, clothes, food and a bus card.
'It was about him and finding what he needs. Not making assumptions.'
The following week, Comcare's emergency housing had a vacancy. Smith was 'totally shocked and visibly shaking' when he was told he could move into a flat the next day, Kenny says.
'On our drive back to the backpackers, he pointed out the spots along the river where he used to sleep. I think it was sinking in at that point that he wouldn't have to go there again.'
Smith is waiting for a referral to a brief intervention counsellor through his GP and Comcare will help with clothing and food until his benefit is sorted. HFTH will help with basic household necessities and support him with Work and Income.
'Greg really wants to get back to work to restore his pride,' Kenny says.
She describes him as articulate, a clear speaker and a lover of cracking bad jokes – not your typical picture of a homeless man. Yet, without getting the mental health help he needed, he was unable to take himself off the streets.
People like Smith are falling through the cracks, she says.
'The most vulnerable people in our city are being left behind, they're not being seen.'
He needed 'a minimal investment' to get back on his feet.
'We need more people who know these people, understand what they go through … It's about getting people their dignity back.'
Despite the unrelenting need she sees everyday, Kenny remains hopeful.
'We're determined to do something about it.'
* Name changed to protect his identity.
WHERE TO GET HELP
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 - Provides 24 hour telephone counselling
Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234 - Provides 24 hour telephone and text counselling services for young people
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 - Provides 24 hour telephone counselling.
Tautoko: 0508 828 865 - provides support, information and resources to people at risk of suicide, and their family, whānau and friends.
Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (noon to 11pm)
Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm - 6pm weekdays)
The Lowdown: thelowdown.co.nz - website for young people ages 12 to 19.
National Depression Initiative - depression.org.nz (for adults), 0800 111 757 - 24 hour service
If it is an emergency or you feel you or someone you know is at risk, please call 111
For information about suicide prevention, see www.mentalhealth.org.nz/suicideprevention.